Despite modern advancements, the national postal service is set to keep the nostalgia of greeting cards alive, as evidenced by its release of colourful Raya postcards.

Pos Malaysia director of operations Zaini Yahman said for just RM3, anyone can send a physical greeting – a method perceived to have more sentimental value compared to using social media platforms such as WhatsApp.

“Last year, we received about 200,000 greeting cards, and we foresee a similar figure this year,” he told FMT at the Pos Malaysia headquarters here recently.

While acknowledging that times have changed, he said many people still prefer to send and receive festive wishes the traditional way.

It is no wonder, then, that the Raya postcards – launched last year – were met with overwhelming response.

Asked why postcards were selected as the medium of choice, Zaini explained that they are easier and cheaper to send, especially since they don’t require envelopes.

“Just buy the Raya postcard with a stamp. Write the greeting to a friend or relative, drop it in the mailbox, and the postman will deliver it.”

He shared that Pos Malaysia, one of the oldest companies in Southeast Asia, recorded the highest number of Raya card deliveries in 2010, with over five million addresses across the country.

Conversely, the lowest number – 98,000 – was recorded during the pandemic, while technological developments have led to a decline in overall deliveries across the decades.

Nevertheless, Zaini believes postcards and greeting cards need to be revitalised as these mediums have great sentimental value and bring back fond memories of childhood.

“Raya cards must continue to be celebrated: even on social media, we can encourage people to send their festive wishes the traditional way,” he said.

And as a bonus, “Raya card collectors get to display them in their homes during Aidilfitri”, Zaini added.